E. Jean Carroll has been awarded a $5 million settlement in her lawsuit against former President Donald Trump for defamation and sexual abuse. The lawsuit alleged that Trump defamed Carroll by claiming that he had never met her and that she had fabricated her prior claims of his sexual assault.

Despite not testifying in his own defense, Trump’s past media statements and deposition testimony were effectively used against him during the trial. Trump’s credibility took a major hit when he claimed he wouldn’t have raped Carroll because she wasn’t his type, only to later confuse a picture of Carroll with his second wife, Marla Maples.

The final nail in the coffin for Trump was when the plaintiff replayed the infamous “Access Hollywood” tape, where Trump was caught on tape saying he could grab women by their private parts and get away with it because he was a star. Trump’s deposition testimony about the tape has been replayed in the news, with him confirming that the Access Hollywood quote was true, “unfortunately, or fortunately.”

The $5 million settlement includes $3 million for defamation and $2 million for sexual abuse. This verdict marks a significant victory for Carroll and other survivors of sexual assault who have been silenced or discredited in the past. It also serves as a reminder that no one is above the law, regardless of their status or position.

While this high-profile case may have brought some closure to E. Jean Carroll, many other survivors of sexual assault still struggle to be heard and believed. It is crucial that we continue to challenge the culture of silence and shame surrounding sexual assault, and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual assault or harassment, please seek help from a trusted law firm in Charleston. Remember, you are not alone, and there is support available.